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Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE-L 4×4: Classy and competent 7-seater SUV

Skoda Kodiaq front dynamic
Skoda Kodiaq

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21 November 2016

Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE-L 4×4

What is it?

THE Skoda Kodiaq is Skoda’s first proper SUV and seven-seater car in one package. Plus, after the convincing Superb, it further cements the Czech brand’s plan to move upmarket as we discovered with the Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE-L 4×4.

In a crowded sector where the Kodiaq is up against rivals including both the Vauxhall Mokka X and Land Rover’s Discovery Sport, can this game-changing Skoda make its mark? We hit the road to find out.

 What’s hot

    • The 148bhp, 2.0-litre TDI diesel might be familiar because of its use in other Volkswagen Group products, but it still feels at home in the Kodiaq. In the case of our car, this engine is mated with a slick seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A bit of a chugger at idle, but speed builds quickly, plus there’s ample amounts of torque available even from low revs. Well matched to the DSG, the Kodiaq quickly and smoothly makes the most of its seven gears and refinement is good as long as it’s not worked too hard. 0-62mph acceleration in 10 seconds, a top speed of 124mph, plus for business users the emissions are competitive at 150g/km.
    • Outside, in the simplest terms, if you’re trying to describe the Kodiaq’s looks, it’s basically like an SUV version of the current Superb. Despite taking many styling cues from the executive saloon, we think the Kodiaq is a well-proportioned and attractive design. Most interesting from the front, our car had the crystal-cut detail in the headlights, which was nicely integrated into the biggest version of the Skoda family grille we’ve seen.
Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI
Upmarket interior
    • We think the inside of the Skoda Kodiaq is a bigger step forward in terms of its upmarket feel than the outside. The biggest complement I can pay it, is that if you covered up the Skoda badges, you could be fooled into thinking you’re driving a Volkswagen! Apart from the quality feel to the switchgear and interior, other Kodiaq interior highlights are the flush touchscreen, which on our SE-L model includes clever features like Smartlink (VW’s version of CarPlay and Android Auto) and Columbus sat-nav.
    • Another positive of the Kodiaq’s high quality interior is the space and practicality. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s clever adaptable MQB platform, there’s plenty of head and legroom in the front and back, plus – like our test car – the Kodiaq can be fitted with another row of seats in the boot to take seven. There’s even a practically-shaped 630 litres of space, which drops to 270 litres with the seats up, which is still a useful size.
    • On the road, the Kodiaq is a competent companion. Despite the tall body, roll is kept well under control, the four-wheel drive system gives useful added grip in corners, plus the ride on the 18-inch alloys fitted to the test car is well-judged and comfortable too. The Drive Mode selection also changes the feel of the steering and throttle response for the better. The 149g/km CO2 figure and 49.6mpg fuel figure equal a 29% charge.
    •  Although our test car was built to European spec, we were told the equipment closest matches the SE-L trim with copious standard equipment including Columbus Navigation, LED head and taillights, a DAB radio, Bluetooth, Alcantara trim and an electrically operated boot – all for a very competitive £30,595.

What’s not

    • Kodiaq is generally excellent to drive, although in standard mode we really wish it had more steering feel to complete the package.
    • Despite the adjustable second-row of seats, those extra third row of rear seats are only really suitable for children and young adults.
    • The DSG transmission might be smooth, but it feels a bit slow to respond when pulling out of junctions etc.

Verdict on the Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE-L 4×4

For business car users, we reckon the Kodiaq is a welcome addition to the SUV class. It looks good, feels as well made as any other Volkswagen Group product and offers exceptional practicality in the form of those seven-seats.

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So how does it compare to its key rival – the Land Rover Discovery Sport ? Closest model to the 2.0-litre 150 TDI is the 2.0-litre TD4 in range-topping 2.0-litre HSE trim. The Skoda gets off to a good start as at £30,595 it’s less expensive by a significant £5,200.

Yet, for an SME the emissions and tax band are going to be key and this is where the Land Rover takes the lead, with 129g/km and a 20% charge versus this Skoda’s higher 25% charge and 149g/km emissions.

The lowdown on: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE-L 4×4

Doors and body style five-door SUV
Engine/gearbox: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel/7-speed DSG automatic transmission all-wheel drive
CO2 Emissions: 149g/km
Economy: 49.6mpg
Power/torque: 148bhp/350Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 10.0secs/124mph
Insurance group: 19E

…..and what it costs

P11D Value £30,395
Monthly business rental (ex VAT) £n/a
Road tax (VED) £145 first year
Company Car Tax Bands 2016/17 to 2018/19 29%, 31%, 33%
Benefit in kind 2016/17 to 2018/19 £8,220, £8,787, £9,354
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) £1,288/£107
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) £2,575/£215
Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) £1,644/£137
Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) £1,620/£135
Figures correct at time of posting November 2016
For latest figures Use our company car tax calculator

 

Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI
The stylish seven-seater Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4X4

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